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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ILDBF (Independent Livery Drivers Benefit Fund)? A non-profit corporation established by NYS legislation to ensure coverage of certain injuries.

What types of injuries are covered?Injuries resulting in death, amputation or loss of arm, leg, hand or foot, multiple fingers, index finger, multiple toes ear, nose, paraplegic, quadriplegic, total permanent blindness and deafness or as a result of a crime against livery driver.

How much will it cost to join ILDBF? It is expected that membership in the ILDBF will cost between $250 and $300 per car. Base operators also have the choice to purchase a full workers' compensation policy at a cost of approximately $1,300 to $1,500 per car.

Who is covered by the fund?Drivers while on dispatch from an independent livery base that have joined the fund. All other employees, dispatcher, office workers must be covered by a separate workers' compensation policy.

How do I join the ILDBF?

Resolve all debt with Workers' Compensation Board.

Sign an affirmation attesting eligibility to become member.

Complete an application along with payment to fund insurance carrier and submit along with payment.

Why must a base join the fund or obtain a full workers compensation policy by 1/1/10?Pursuant to a law change, the section that created the ILDBF makes livery bases employers of all the drivers they dispatch for the purpose of workers' compensation.

What happens if bases don't have full workers compensation?Bases must provide the TLC with proof of full workers' compensation for drivers. Bases that aren't covered or don't provide workers' compensation are subject to enforcement actions including:

Revocation of license to operate as a base.

Subject to Stop Work Order.

Subject to civil fines from workers' compensation at a rate of $2,000 for every ten days for failure to provide workers compensation coverage.

Base will be responsible for medical and wage benefits for all injuries to any affiliated drivers.

What will I need to obtain a new livery base license in NYC, Westchester County and Nassau County?In order to obtain or renew a license, a livery base must provide proof of membership in the ILDBF or a full workers' compensation policy that includes coverage for drivers. If proof of membership in ILDBF is produced, the base will also need to produce workers compensation coverage for non-driver workers, or obtain an exemption form which is available at the Workers Compensation Board website.

How do I find out if I have debt with the Workers Compensation Board?Contact 1-866-298-7830.

What are the Boards plans for collecting debt? There are two types of debt to the Board. Money owed to the Board is either for civil penalties or for money paid from the Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF) relating to uninsured claims.

Fines for failure to provide workers compensation coverage.

All civil penalties for failure to provide workers' compensation coverage through 12/31/09 will be forgiven.

Claims for reimbursements of benefits paid by the Board for uninsured employers. Reimbursements made by the Board to injured workers.

Offer of settlement letters have been sent for money owed for reimbursement for claims which reduce the debt by 85% if paid within 30 days of receipt of offer.

How do I file a claim for benefits with the ILDBF?If you are injured on the job, you should complete the Board's form Employee Claim (C-3) as soon as possible to ensure your benefits are not delayed or interrupted. You must also notify your dispatching base and the Fund through its insurance carrier (Hereford Insurance Company, see below) in writing of when, where and how you were injured or became ill.

If you submit a paper form, please mail the completed Employee Claim (C-3) form to the District Office nearest you.

You will be notified by mail of any action regarding your claim.

Remember: You must file a claim within two years of the accident. You must also notify your employer if you are hurt on the job.Death ClaimsWhen a claimant has passed away at work or due to an existing work injury/illness, the Next of Kin should file a C-62 (with the appropriate documentation) to the Board. The form C-64 would need to be filed by the last treating physician stating how the deceased death is causally related to work (or the previous work injury). The C-65 would be completed by the funeral Home.To notify the ILDBF of a claim, contact: